When Lorraine Connell stepped into the classroom, she didn’t expect her most profound lessons on leadership to come from the very students she was there to guide. But over the years, it became clear: the traditional model of leadership—titles, hierarchy, perfection—wasn’t serving the teens she worked with. In this episode of A Fresh Story, Lorraine, a seasoned educator and Teen Leadership Coach, shares the powerful stories that led her to reimagine what leadership really looks like—and how one small act can change everything.

Through deeply personal reflections and moments that shaped her book, A Teacher’s Story: How One Act of Leadership Inspired Many, Lorraine invites us into the lives of teens who often felt invisible or uncertain, yet blossomed into leaders once someone believed in them. From a student who didn’t think she was “the leadership type” to another who quietly shaped her entire school culture, Lorraine recounts the subtle but seismic shifts that occurred when kids were empowered to lead on their own terms.

This is more than a conversation about education—it’s a wake-up call for parents, teachers, and anyone invested in today’s youth. Lorraine reminds us that leadership isn’t reserved for the loudest voice or the front row seat. It’s in the quiet confidence, the brave decisions, and the space we create for others to step into their power. If you've ever wondered how to truly support your teen or unlock their hidden potential, this episode will change the way you see the next generation.

Buy the book: A Teacher's Story: How One Act of Leadership Inspired Many by Lorraine Connell